Fizik X5 Terra, Men's Cycling Shoe

Product Information

In practice, on rougher terrain an all-over lug pattern is best for stability. The question of whether or not to add studs is a personal one, though for us it’s not crucial unless we’re racing cyclocross, where the extra grip could make or break a race. Fit With an almost air-like feel, the micro-adjustable Boa L6 Dial fastens the asymmetric opening with a non-restrictive closure, dialling your feet inline with the Fizik Cycling sole for the ultimate ride performance. Fitting an array of foot shapes, this ingenious securing system utilises a steel-coated lace through lightweight yet tough plastic guides for long-lasting strength and versatile comfort.

Ideally, the sole should be rigid through the mid-foot, with the flex being apparent in the toe section past the cleat. If the toe section has some spring, lifting up from instead of being flat on the ground, this will also enable the rolling action of your foot.

Made for walking

Sidi’s microfibre uppers are tough with decent weather protection, and there’s still good ventilation from the laser-cut pinhole vents. The first thing you’ll learn if you test a lot of shoes is that simply flexing them between your hands is no indicator of how comfortable the shoe will be to walk in. The second is that fit is more important than how stiff the sole is. The Sector closes with a dual Boa dial system that allows for precise adjustments, while the supportive footbed is better than many. The toe box is also roomy. But however you choose to define gravel riding, it is more likely than not that your gravel shoes will need to balance stiffness and efficient power transfer with comfort for longer rides and walkability for rugged terrain or off-the-bike use. When it comes to walking, the rubber outsole provides a solid platform, but the smaller lugs don’t do so well in the mud.

Old-school laces have their fans, though. If you have a high instep, you probably find that they allow for the differentiation in tension that gives a snug forefoot fit combined with ease over the instep that you need for best comfort. Gravel-shoe uppers have to help deliver power transfer like road shoe uppers, but also have to have enough stretch for walking. They also have to be particularly durable and resistant to any scuffs from clambering over rough terrain.Underneath, there is a stiff carbon sole, which we found avoided hotspots and was still forgiving on long rides. There are three main sections of rubber to provide a reasonable level of grip. Compared to road shoes, gravel shoes are designed for walking comfort and are a bit more forgiving. They also differ from many road shoes in that they use two-bolt mountain-bike style cleats as opposed to three-bolt road cleats. Overall, this shoe is top-end. It does come with a price to match, but we’d happily choose the S-Works Recon Lace for our longest, most epic rides. Synthetic uppers are common across the price spectrum. Often, synthetic uppers rely on perforation and mesh inserts for breathability. They don’t mould to the shape of your foot in the same way that leather does, but they don’t cost as much either, and fastening paired with other factors such as insole choice can practically circumvent this issue.

And to keep riders in control and prepared over ever-changing and always unexpected terrain, the fizik Terra series handlebar tape and off-road accessories for all-terrain riding provide just the right amount readiness, no matter the weather or what lies ahead.

Day two, we took to Glen Feshie with lots of stream and river crossings, bog and more hike-a-bike but it’s a very pretty place to spend time in.